Senate Speaker Amason Kingi has turned down a request by Nyandarua Senator John Methu to convene a special sitting of the Senate to address the rising cases of abductions targeting government critics. Kingi cited non-compliance with procedural requirements as the basis for his decision.
In a letter dated January 7, 2025, Speaker Kingi clarified, “I note that the request is anchored on Standing Order 33(1)… which stipulates that the Speaker may, upon request by the Senate Majority Leader or the Senate Minority Leader, and with the support of at least fifteen Senators, schedule a special sitting of the Senate.”
Kingi explained that Senator Methu’s request failed to meet these conditions. “From the foregoing, it is evident that your request does not satisfy the requirements outlined in Standing Order 33(1) for the following reasons: the request must originate from the Senate Majority Leader or the Senate Minority Leader, and it must be supported by at least fifteen Senators,” Kingi stated.
Senator Methu, in his December 27, 2024, letter to the Speaker, described the abductions as a pressing national concern, emphasizing the violation of constitutional rights. “These abductions infringe on fundamental human rights and freedoms enshrined in our Constitution, including freedom of expression, association, and the right to life and security,” Methu wrote.
While the National Police Service has denied any involvement in the abductions, human rights activists argue that these incidents contravene human rights laws and undermine public confidence in security agencies.
